Some call him the “rap-god", the fastest rising star on the music, especially the R&B horizon of Indian cinema. His name says it all—Badshah. He is regularly compared to YoYo Honey Singh, but the popularity of Abhi toh party shuruhui hai has ensured he has his place in the industry. As he churns out more and more hits—the most recent being DJ waale babu—he confirms he means business and is here to stay. Also, if you have been anywhere near anyone from the northern states of India (or any Indian pub/club for that matter), you could not have missed the popular Punjabi song Proper patola. The song sung by Diljit Dosanjh and written by Badshah has achieved a cult status with its YouTube video getting more than 70 lakh hits.

Badshah was recently on his first tour to Australia and New Zealand. After performing at packed venues in Australia, Badshah performed before a full house at The Studio in Auckland. He won many hearts with his live-wire presence on stage before he left to Wellington for a performance the next day.

We sat down with Badshah, over a cup of Chai Latte on his first ever trip to Auckland for an exclusive tete-a tete and were completely floored by his humility, down to earth and boy next door demeanour. Dressed in his sweatshirt and tracks, Badshah spoke to us candidly about his life, love, music and all things personal.

Maya: So tell us why the name Badshah?

Badshah: Well, it comes quite naturally. When I was born, the doctor asked my mother—what do you want to name him? And she said “Prince”. That is what I have always been called since then. So when it came to choosing a stage name, it was Badshah. The name on my passport is AdityaPrateek Singh Sisodia. I was born into a Punjabi family in Delhi, my father is from Haryana.

Maya: So where was Prince raised and what were your early years like?

Badshah: I was raised in Pitampura in Delhi and did my schooling from BalBharati Public School in Pitampura. I used to perform in the school choir and played a lot of basketball. I had dreams of becoming a basketball player till I realised there was no future for basketball players in India.

After I finished my schooling I went to Chandigarh to pursue my engineering and have lived there since then.

Maya: Do you have any siblings?

Badshah: I have a younger sister, who is going to get married soon.

Maya: So when did you get interested in music?

Badshah: I don't know. I can’t think of how far back but I could never study without music. So I always had music playing. I have also always loved writing. When I was in school, I wrote a rap piece on one of my teachers that became quite infamous. I gradually realised that whatever I do, I need to have music in my life. I now compose, I write my own lyrics, I do my own music and I act in my own videos.

Maya: So how did the step up from Prince to Badshah happen?

Badshah: When I went to Chandigarh, Indian music was going through a revolution. Punjabi music was at an all-time high. Jay Shaun and Richie Rich were making waves in the industry with their music. There was a sudden change in scene for Indian music. As I was on the internet a lot, I kept track of everything that was happening and what was going on. I was excited and inspired and wanted to do something on my own. Since I am a reserved person, there was always so much to vent, so much to tell people and I put it all in my songs, in my music.

I don't really remember what my first number was. I have done many songs that weren’t released. Then in 2007, I started working with Honey Singh. In 2012, I went solo and recorded Saturday Saturday, which was eventually used in Humpty Sharma ki Dulhania. So that's how it all started and it has been a great journey so far.

Mayas: Do you travel a lot?
Badshah: Yes, I do. Even if I am not travelling for work, I just plain enjoy travelling. If nothing else, I will just take off to Shimla or Manali. I love the mountains. For my shows, I have been to America, England, Dubai and Hong Kong, but the one place I really loved was Melbourne.

Maya: Does the Badshah have a “Queen of hearts”?
Badshah: Yes, I have been married for three years. My wife usually travels with me, but she is not here now, as she is preparing for her exams. In fact, because she has never been to this side of the world, I was keen for her to join me.

Maya: Do you have a message for all your fans?
Badshah: Thank you for all the support. Keep supporting me and I will keep making the music you love.

Trivia :

My Sun Sign: Scorpio (a little birdie told us 19th November)
My Favourite Colour: black
My Favourite Food: Rajma-Chawal
I am most comfortable in sweatshirts and pants
I am happiest when: I am comfortable
I usually smell of perfumes—duty-free
My signature perfume:
I love: my family
My idol: myself (laughs)
My inspiration: life


In the box:

Badshah performed in Auckland in front of a packed house at The Studios along with the ravishing and charming Astha Gill. Together they created magic on stage churning out one popular track after another. The Auckland show was presented by Page 3 lifestyle events and managed by Sony entertainment. One got so carried away by the vibe that the performance seemed almost too short—but worth every bit. From the ever popular Saturday Saturday, to Abhi Toh Party Shuru Hui Hai and DJ waale babu…they treated the audience to it all.

The other star that definitely stood out for me that evening was DJ Areeb, who seemed to be at his best. The young crowd seemed to have had a treat as the evening came to an end and there are similar reports from Wellington. Kudos to the Big Bang Drop entertainment for this treat to New Zealand.